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ROBINSON'S 
MANUAL 

OF THE 

CONSTITUTION AND REGULATIONS 

OF 

National Colored Protective 
Association, U. S. A. 





Copyright, : 


L917, 






By 






R. R. 


ROBINSON 


, Publisher. 




Jacksonville 


, Fla. 




Press of Dennis 


Prtg. 


Co. 










m 



r^ 



©CIA 4 005 4 6 

MAY -3 1917 
"Vo J 



NATIONAL COLORED PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION 
OF U. S. A. 

(Copyright, 1917.) 

The race has surrounded itself with every avenue of pro- 
tection except one. In sickness they have their lodges. In dis- 
tress it's a myth, in death, a funeral. Religiously 
speaking they have their churches. But protection to life, lib- 
erty and property is a thing vastly neglected. We have the 
laws and the courts of the land. Without the proper enforce- 
ment of laws the law can do but little good. In these matters 
the courts must be assisted. 

Our association proposes filling these long felt needs or at 
least doing our part towards securing such legislation through 
our representatives in state Legislatures and through our repre- 
sentatives in Congress to secure such laws as will protect the 
race both locally and nationally in matters of civic, political, so- 
cial, industrial, financial and the general pursuits of life, unmo- 
lested. Hence, after we will have secured the passage of such 
laws we must assist in enforcing same. 

It was this and other important reasons which prompted 
the writer to get up and apply for a copyright and I sincerely 
trust it will meet every need for which it is intended. 

Respectfully, 
ROBERT RANDOLPH ROBINSON, 

920% East Union Street, 

Jacksonville, Fla. 

P. S. — Two important items herein you will have some ques- 
tions to ask concerning — First, the cheapness of the entrance fee; 
this is because in local treasury there is always more or less con- 
tention over the money; when it's not hoarded there is no wrang- 
ling. Second, all positions are created or appointive; no elections 
to dispute about. 



PLANS OF NATIONAL COLORED PROTECTIVE ASSOCIA- 
TION OF U. S. A.— APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT 
PATENT OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C. 

The objects of this copyright and organization are as fol- 
lows: 

1. To assist in the protection of the Flag and Consti- 
tution of the United States. 

2. To assist in the protection of its citizenry, rights, 
life, liberty, property and the exercise of the guaranteed privi- 
lege to engage in the honest pursuits of life and more particu- 
larly those rights and privileges guaranteed to all in the Con- 
stitution of the United States and all amendments thereto. 

3. To provide cash and means with which to enforce the 
terms and protection hereinabove mentioned. 

4. The method of raising cash and means to be used 
mainly in the accomplishment of the protection are as follows: 
First, by organized lodges in each and every state, territory, 
county and city of the United States or foreign countries wher- 
ever there are people of the colored race or of African blood. 

5. These lodges shall consist of male and female mem- 
bers, of all ages from 5 years up. Minors may be vouched for by 
their parents, guardians or their nearest friend, assuring proper 
conduct for their good behavior. 

Lodges. 

6. There shall be a national or supreme grand head called 
National Supreme Councilor and a National Council. There may 
be local grand Councils, territories and foreign countries, who 
shall be subordinates to the National Council. 

Local Lodges. 

7. There shall be local Councils established in each county 
and city, which shall be subordinate to the State or Territorial 
Grand Councils and especially the National Supreme Council and 
Councilor, who is the general presiding officer. 

Local Ofificers. 

8. There shall be a Chief Councilor as presiding officer over 
local Councils, who may be selected by his Council to preside for 
three months or until his successor is qualified. When elected the 



Council shall notify the Supreme Councilor, whose duty will be to 
either confirm or reject him. If rejected the local is notified and 
another is selected and reported. If confirmed he shall receive 
a certificate of confirmation and immediately enter upon his 
duty as such officer. He shall have four associates. 

State and Territorial. 

9. No state or territorial grand lodge can be organized un- 
til permission from the National Supreme Councilor is secured 
and he gives his consent and authorizes it. Nor can there be 
until seven (7) chartered lodges are regularly chartered and op- 
erating. 

Insignia. 

10. The insignia of the order shall be that of red, tan and 
blue, with the words printed or attached N. C. P. Assc, U. S. A., 
8x3 inches. 

11. The caps worn shall be blue, round-rimmed, with fur as 
trimming and tassle and gold imitation. 

12. The dress for men and boys shall be deep blue, 
white braid trimmings, in ranks up to 7 degrees, or as is fixed 
by committee on by-laws. The ladies' dress shall be fixed and 
designed by committee on by-laws to be appointed. 

13. All other implements, designs, etc., shall also be 
planned and regulated by said committee. 

Military Ranks. 

14. There may be a military department and rank from 
the cadets up to and including the highest resemblance of 
ranks in military usage and custom, with title of rank, as will 
be regulated by committee on by-laws. 

Officers. 

15. The officers of the order or association shall be 
a National Supreme Councilor, District, State and Territorial 
Councilors, presiding in the East or South, four Vice-Councilors, 
side by side, two each side, Center Councilor, a Prelate, North 
Councilor- elect, C. Secretary and the only one who 
is voted for — Councilor, Treasurer, Recording and Finan- 
cial Secretaries, Councilors Inner and Outer Guard and Corre- 
sponding Secretary, whose position is in the extreme northeast 



corner of the lodge when sitting. All cornmunications for or 
from the lodges are referred to him, all moneys to be forwarded 
to the supreme or ether head are to be sent by him. He is ap- 
pointed on recommendation from lodge, confirmed by the su- 
preme head. If the lodge's recommendation is not accepted the 
supreme appoints another. 

Perpetual. 

15. The rights under this copyright are perpetual as the 
property of the copyrighter, subject to renewal as provided by 
law. 

Supreme Factory. 

17. Supreme Councilor will appoint a Supreme Insignia 
Fitter and Supply Maker, who will furnish all caps, 
badges, buttons and fatigue suits to its members at a reason- 
able cost. 

18. Distress, injury, peonage, death by murder, assassina- 
tion and all such illegal occurrences when reported to the su- 
preme head or council will be thoroughly investigated and 
vigorously prosecuted in the courts. The guilty will be 
brought to justice if possible, claims prosecuted for its mem- 
bers, attorneys secured; will also assist to extent of ability in 
securing bonds for its members when wrongfully put and de- 
tained in prison. 

19. All cases of unlawful detention of United States 
citizens when members of this association and when re- 
ported to this department will be thoroughly investigated and 
parties prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as far as the 
finances of the association will allow. 

How Money to Maintain This Department Will Be Raised. 

20. As it will be impossible to put in print the real 
cause and objects of this association and its far-reaching ex- 
pectations, and while we cannot state the great necessity of long- 
standing, yet it is sufficient to know that the race and class of 
people this association reaches will be specially benefited and will 
hail its approach upon a liberty-loving, a humane feeling people, 
with great hurrah and thanks to God, and that the response 
from such Christian people will, we trust, have a telling effect. 

21. Hence, the money to run this department will be gotten 



by philanthropic gifts, contributions, portion of initiation fees, 
donations, special tax levy, etc. The latter only when the 
emergency arises. 

22. Robert R. Robinson is here styled, proclaimed 
and recognized as the National Supreme Councilor, having the 
reserved right and power to create a Board of Supreme Council. 
Such a board when appointed by him will look after the affairs 
of the association until their successors are appointed and quali- 
fied by certficate of confirmation. This shall consist of five to 
eight or nine, one of whom shall be a recording secretary, on< 
corresponding secretary and who is also private secretary to the 
Supreme Councillor; one shall be treasurer. 

23. This Councilor and Board shall review and pass on 
all charters and employ agencies, attorneys, general agents, etc., 
under the direction and approval of the Supreme National Coun- 
cilor. 

24. There shall be appointed a Supreme National Coun- 
ciloress, who shall have general supervision over the women's 
department and attend to conducting the affairs of said depart- 
ment, assisted by Supreme Councilor. 

25. There shall be a juvenile department and a supreme 
juveniless shall be appointed by the National Supreme Councilor 
to have exclusive control of the girls' department and direct it 

26. There shall be a Supreme Juveniler, whose duty will be 
to have exclusive control of the boys' department and direct the 
same, under direction of National Supreme Councilor. 

Officers and Their Duties. 

29. The duties of all officers shall be more fully set 
forth in the by-laws of the association to be adopted for the 
joint management of the association by the committee on by- 
laws. Said by-laws shall not be repugnant, arbitrary, disputing 
in any way the terms of this charter or copyright, but shall at 
all times hold itself subjected and amenable to said charter, con- 
stitution of the said association. (Copyright.) 

National Supreme Councilor. 

30. His duty is to preside at all supreme national 
gatherings held under the terms of this copyright. His duties 
are to issue all certificates and charters to subordinate or state 
and territorial officers elected who wish to be confirmed; to ap- 



point ag-ents, deputy councilors, etc., men and women, over 
every department herein provided for, commissioning them to 
work in their several capacities or positions. 

31. To provide plans for raising money to prose- 
cute the work, to pro/ide detective department, also department 
of justice and protection for the protection of its members. 

23. To appont and suspend all persons in office; to provide 
insurance department; to preside over the National Supreme 
Council to hear appeals and complaints, deciding them, report- 
ing his and its findings; to do such other things best in his judg- 
ment to promote the welfare of the concern. 

Secretary National or Supreme Council Board. 

33. The National Supreme Councilor Sec. His duties are 
to keep a record of all proceedings of the National Su- 
preme Council meetings, assessments, edicts, proclamations, 
laws passed on rulings, collections, gifts, donations or otherwise 
received; charters issued, certificates and other credentials, ex- 
cept in the sale of this book copyrighted, as it is the personal 
property cf the copyrighter; also the insignia; and to do such 
other things as are requested by the National Supreme Councilor. 

National Corresponding Secretary. 

34. The National Corresponding Secretary sha^l, under the 
direction of the Supreme Councilor, carry on all foreign corre- 
spondence between state, territory and foreign councils, etc., 
subject to the strict censorship and direction of the National Su- 
preme Councilor. 

Treasurer. 

35. The Supreme Councilor Treasurer shall keep all money 
turned over to him and pay it out upon orders of the Supreme 
Council, signed by the Supreme Councilor. 

Supreme Counciloress. 

36. The Supreme Counciloress shall have charge of 
the female department. She shall appoint all deputy co- 
workers under her, and shall promote the welfare of her de- 
partment among women, organize them into sub-councils, issue 
U. D. blanks, recommend persons for confirmation to the Su- 
preme Councilor, etc. She shall receive 20 per cent of moneys 
brought into the jurisdiction through her department and her 



deputies shall receive 15 per cent of all they send into supreme 
department, referring to initiation fee only. 

Juvenile Department. 

37. The Juvenile Counciloress shall have charge of 
the Supreme Juvenile Department for girls. She shall organ- 
ize them into councils, explain the advantages of order, en- 
couraging them to cast their lot with us and work for it, to ap- 
point and recommend other deputies for organizers and receive 
20 per cent of all moneys she gets in organizing same of her own 
efforts, 5 per cent from all her deputies bring in. 

Juvenile Department. 

38. The Juvenile Councilor shall have charge of the 
boys' deparement and shall work energetically to promote 
this department. His duties shall be to promote the welfare of 
the order and as to the great importance of them more than 
all coming to the order. 

Oflficers, State, City, County and Territorial. 

39. There shall be in each territorial, state, county or sub- 
ordinate lodge a council of four Vice-Councilors, sitting at 
once, as thus : 

1 1 1 

2 3 1 I 4 5 



1 shall be Chief C, 2 V.-C, 3 V.-C, 4 V.-C, 5 C. All five 
shall sit at each meeting. Chief sits in center, as per diagram; 
other two sit on either side, if present. 



(See Diagram Next Page) 



Two Councilors Chief Two Councilors 

y H 11 n g 



COUNCILORS PLATFORM 



11 



Flag Stand 

f 

Chaplain I Hj i Escort 
Escorts 



Door 


Inside Door 


Resting 




Room 


Outer Door 



10 



40. If these are not present or three of them, no important 
business can be transacted; during- this sitting they shall be 
garbed with blue cloak, white braid trimmed, and a cap and 
badge. 

41. Their duties are to assist the Chief Councilor to pre- 
serve order, peace and harmony in the lodgfe; also to take the 
first chief's place and preside by turn, once every three months, 
Their terms of office end after 15 months after they will have 
presided. They shall hear the reports, complaints and see after 
the general business of the lodges, collect Supreme National 
Councilor and Council fees and forward same and look after the 
general welfare of the Council. 

Own Property. 

42. The association may own real estate and personal prop- 
erty anywhere in the United States or out of it to the value of 
$500,000.00 with the right to lease, sell, mortgage, bequeath or 
otherwise dispose of any part. The fee simple title shall vest in 
this copyright. 

Trustees. 

43. The National Supreme Councilor may appoint Trustees 
with limited time in office and powers to hold in trust property 
for the benefit of the association copyright. 

Password. 

44. The password of the association may be issued by the 
supreme head to all branches quarterly, except the 
general traveling test word, which always stands and begins by 
saying: (I. W. P. Y.)— (1st) I Will Protect (2d) You, Right 
Brother (or Sister). 

Opening Ceremony. 

45. At the time appointed to call the local council 
to order and the Councilors, five in all, not less than three will 
assume their stations, together with the F. S. R. S. Treasurer, 
Corresponding Secretary, Vice- C, the chief will give one rap and 
say: Vice-Councilor, the Council will come to order and the 
officers will take their stations. V.-C. so proclaims. 

46. Councilor (Escorts two in number) — Are the doors en- 
tering this Council properly guarded? 

11 



47. The Escorts — Councilor, we will ascertain and report. 
(The escorts will then satisfy themselves that inner and 

outer door guards are at their stations, and in possession of the 
proper pass, and if not he will report as follows: '*They are not." 
If they are C.-E. will report as follows: "Chief Councilor, the 
Council is properly guarded." 

48. Councilor — Escort, are the officers present and in their 
proper stations? 

49. Escort — Councilor, they are, except some absentees. 
The Councilor will fill all vacancies. 

50. Councilor — Escort, are all present members of the 
Council N. C. P. Asso. U. S. A. ? 

51. Escort — Commander, I will ascertain. 

(Members will arise, step one pace to the front and in a 
subdued whisper give the quarterly pass.) 

52. Escort — Councilor, I find all present entitled to remain, 
except given names; those have not the quarterly pass. 

(Note — Members in good standing without the pass should 
then approach the Councillors, standing, and receive same. De- 
linquent members shall retire unless they immediately step to 
F. S. and pay all arrears.) 

53. Councilor — o o o Members, we have assembled for the 
purpose of transacting such business as may properly be brought 
before this Council. We meet in the spirit of the "brotherhood 
of man and Fatherhood of God." May all our hearts be filled 
with love for our fellow-man and may our meeting be for the 
good of all, and the promotion and advancement of our associa- 
tion. 

54. Councilor — Vice-Councilor, what are the objects and 
purposes of the N. C. Protective Association of U. S. A. and 
foreign countries? 

55. Vice-Councilor — Councilor, to combine all persons, male 
and female adults, of the race or otherwise, between the ages of 5 
years and up, of sound bodily health, exemplary habits, into a 
secret fraternal protective association, to provide funds, detec- 
tives to detect wrongdoers, attorneys to prosecute their adver- 
saries, etc., and to give a lifting hand to the unforunate, to see 
that they are protected in their property, political and civic rights 
as far as we have the ability by active administration in time of 
sorrow and distress; to promote fraternal love and unity; create 
a fun which, on reasonable and satisfactory proof of foul death 

12 



of a member in good standing the association shall sue for dam- 
ages for the loss of those dependent upon the deceased for a 
livelihood and after detecting the perpetrator, bringing them 
to justice; to assist giving bond for the relief of those wrongfully 
imprisoned, etc. 

56. Councilor — Vice-Councilor, what is necessary in a well 
regulated council of this association? 

57. Vice-Councilor — Councilor, a charter or dispensation 
from the National Supreme Councilor empowering it to meet 
and transact business and the presence of the American flag. 

58. Councilor — Escort Councilor, you will .place the Ameri- 
can flag in the center of the Council. 

59. Escort Councilor — Councilor, the flag is in position. 

Chief Councilor — (Raps o o o) Members, the charter (or dis- 
pensation as the case may be) empowering this Council to meet and 
transact business being in force and the American flag being 
present, we are now ready to proceed with the affairs of the 
Council. But before doing so, join with me in saluting the flag 
(Give the military salute. Look at flag and bow heads at flag.) 

60. (One rap o) Councilor says: The Secretary will now 
call roll and note absentees. (This done.) 

61. Councilor — The Secretary will now read the proceed- 
ings of the last meeting. 

62. Councilor — Members, are the proceedings correctly re- 
corded? (If no corrections to be made or when made the Coun- 
cilor will say: The minutes stand approved.) 

Order of Business. 

63. The following order of business shall then be observed: 
Reading and reference of applications for membership. 
Reports of investigating committees on applications. 
Voting on applications. 

Initiation of candidates 

64. Reading of communications from National Supreme of- 
ficers and others. 

Reading and disposing of bills. 

Has any of this Council died by foul play since our last 
meeting ? 

Are any of our members in distress ? 
If so, state the nature. 
Reports of committees. 

13 



Unfinished business. 

New business. Under this head communications from Na- 
tional Supreme Council must be considered. 

Recommendation of officers for confirmation to the Supreme 
head. If confirmed, installation of officers. 

Good of the order. 

65. Financial Secretary's statement of balance on hand last 
meeting; of receipts and disbursements since last meeting; bal- 
ance on hand at this time. 

Have National Supreme Council as'gessments and dues 
been forwarded? Secretary answers (if not) the five Councilors 
shall ascertain the cause. 

Closing Ceremony. 

Q6. Councilor — Vice-Councilor, what is our duty as N. C. P. 
Asso. (National Colored Protective Association) U. S. A. 

Vice-Councilor — Councilor, to respect and keep our obliga- 
tions to the living and the dead. 

Councilor — How can our Council and Association be made 
to grow and prosper? 

Vice-Councilor — By each member doing all he or she can to 
bring the merits and advantages of this association to the atten- 
tion of his or her friends and by inviting them to affiliate with 
us. 

67. Councilor — Is not that an obligation we owe to our 
friends. 

Vice-Councilor — Yes, sir. If we fail to invite our friends 
and one of them should die by foul or treacherous means or get 
arrested wrongfully and could not make bond we would and 
shouM feel greatly distressed. 

68. Councilor, we should always remember our obligation 
to friends and this association. 

71. Councilor — Corresponding Secretary and four associ- 
ate Councilors, what word of advice have each of you for the 
Council ? 

70. Corresponding Secretary Asso. four Councilors, for our- 
selves — We should be prompt in the payment of all assessments 
and dues in order that our association may be enabled to dis- 
charge all of its obligations without delay as we would greatly 
regret the death of any of our associates while in arrears. Re- 

14 



marks from each of the four Associate Councilors and Corre- 
sponding Secretary if desired. 

71. Councilor — C. P. Secretary, can you tell us the secret 
of good health? 

Corresponding Secretary — To be temperate in all things; to 
avoid all excesses; to be regular and methodical in all habits is 
conducive to good health. But to practice fellowship among the 
members and keep out of broils, fusses, bad habits, above all 
keep away from bad company and seek the best association, do- 
ing unto others as we would have them do unto us will be as 
a light to your pathway, is supremely the safest road to good 
health, wealth and happiness. 

72. Now, members, join with me in saluting the flag. All 
standing, bowing heads to flag. 

Councilor — Escorts Councilor, you will please collect the 
rituals, badges and take charge of the flag. 

Councilor — Will say let us pray, all bowing heads standing, 
the Councilor Chaplain will l^ad in prayer. 

Chief Councilor — I now declare this Council closed to mee^ 
again (here name time). 

73. Councilor says good night; all say good night. 

Form of Initiation. 

74. The form of initiation is as follows: 

FIRST DEGREE— II Councilor— Escorts Councilor, you will 
repair to the ante-room and ascertain if there are any candidates 
in waiting. 

(Escorts retire, return and report.) 

75. Escorts — Councilor, we find in waiting (here give 
names.) 

76. Chief Councilor — Financial Secret?ry, has the candi- 
date (or each candidate) paid the entrance fee? 

77. Financial Secretary — Yes (or no, if no). 

Councilor — You will then retire to the ante-room and col- 
lect it (the entrance fee having been paid.) 

78. Councilor — Escort Councilors, retire to the ante^room 
and prepare the candidate or candidates for initiation. 

Escort Councilors retire and hoodwink the candidates; then 
give the alarm at th edoor. Inner Door Councilor opens the door. 
The Escort Councilors advance with candidate. Inner Door 

15 



Councilor will stop candidates by smoting them upon the front 
of the left shoulder with palm of right hand. 

Inner Door Councilor says "Halt! What seek you here?" 

79. Escort Councilors — These (or this) candidates are seek- 
ing membership in our honorable body, so that they may enjoy 
the benefits therein of fellowship and protection. 

80. Inner Door Councilor — His object is a sensible fore- 
sighted one. You may pass him (or them). 

81. Escort Councilors conduct candidate around the hall to 
the Corresponding Secretary, who stops candidates in like man- 
ner. 

82. C. Secretary says: ''Stop! We heard your reply to 
question by the Inner Door Councilor. We are very much 
pleased at your expressed desire to affiliate with us. But before 
you can proceed further you must answer these questions: Are 
you in sound health, body and mind ? " If correct say so — yes or 
no. If no, they will be ordered back to the ante-room. If yes, 
Corresponding Secretary directs Escorts to take candidates to 
one of the Vice-Councilors, who will stop candidate in like man- 
ner. 

83. Vice-Councilor — Halt! Escort Councilor, this candidate 
appears to be a worthy applicant and we propose giving him a 
welcome admittance. But to remain with us he must make 
certain solemn, positive declarations and promise his honor as a 
man or woman to generally obey all of its teachings. 

Escort Councilors — The candidate will answer. 

84. Each candidate will then answer. If in the negative 
Escorts will be asked to conduct candidates to the ante-room. 
If the answer is in the affirmative Escort Councilors will conduct 
candidates around the hall and line them up facing the Chief 
Councilor, who, when done, will say: 

Escort Councilors — Chief Councilor, we present this or these 
candidates for obligation. 

85. Chief Councilor — (Gives o o o o raps) Chief Councilor 
will advance to within three paces of the candidate (other four 
Councilors standing) and say: Friend (or friends) you will 

call your name and repeat after me: I, , in presence of 

these members assembled, on my word of honor and of my own 
free will I do solemnly declare that I am sound in body and mind 
to the best of my knowledge; that I believe in a Supreme Being 
and the brotherhood of man; that I respect the flag of my coun- 

16 



try and will obey the laws of the land. And I do solemnly prom- 
ise that I will be loyal to and will obey the laws, rules and regu- 
lations of the Nat. Colored Protective Asso. U. S. A.; that I will 
promptly pay all assessments and dues required of me to enable 
the National Supreme Councilor and Council to prosecute all 
deaths of members brought on by foul acts, perpetrated by any 
one, anywhere, or to defend any member in the protection of 
their legal rights, either in property, real or personal, or civil, 
etc., so far as its financial ability will permit, this being under- 
stood by us all, and to defray the genera lexpenses of the asso- 
cation. And that I will no tslander the good name of any mem- 
ber of this order or any one wrongfully; protecting the family 
of any of cur members wherever seen. ¥/"ith all relations of 
members of this order I agree to deal honestly and squarely. 

86. I further promise that I will not in any manner make 
known the secret works or plans of this order to any known per- 
son except it be to a worthy and trusty member of the Associa- 
tion. 

87. I further promise to help in any way I can a distressed, 
needy member of this order wherever and whenever called on 
so to do to the extent of my ability. 

88. I do further promise that I will not present the applica- 
tion of any person or persons for membership who in age, mind 
and honesty of purpose ar eno tworthy ; nor will I offer for mem- 
bership any imposter and will vote to reject such persons. 

89. I further promise to assist in dealing with all traitors 
or betrayers of the business of this Association rigidly if known 
to me of their guilt of attempting at betraying any member of 
the Association or his country. 

90. Chief Councilor — Escort Councilor, you will now re- 
move the hoodwink. 

Councilor (when this is done) — Escort Councilor you will 
now conduct the candidate (or candidates) to the four Vice- 
Councilors, who will instruct them in the secret works. Escorts 
will conduct candidates around hall, stopping at four Vice-Coun- 
cilors' station and will say: Escort — Vice-Councilors, I am di- 
rected by the Chie f Councilor to present to you this (or these) 
obligated candidates for the purpose of receiving instruction in 
the secret works. 

91. Vice-Councilor — In compliance with instructions of our 
Chief Councilor we will now instruct you in the secret works. 

17 



92. Wishing to enter a council of the Nat. Colored Protective 
Asso. of U. S. A. you will approach the outer door and give any 
alarm to attract the attention of the Outer Door Councilor and 
to him you will give the first word N. C. P. A. (National Colored 
Protective Association). On being admitted you should decor- 
ate yourself (or selves) with the badge and cap of the order, 
if such have been provided by the Council, then approach the In- 
ner Door Councilor, giving two o o (raps). The same will be an- 
swered from within by two o o (raps) by the Inner Door Coun- 
cilor, who will remove the wicket and ask your name and lodge 
number. If a visitor, presenting your financial traveling card, 
you will await the orders of the Chief Councilor, who will be told 
you are there. Your pass at this point is "I will protect you." 
These two words do not change and the quaitely pass you will 
also give which is furnished from National Supreme Councilor 
quarterly. 

92. Home members may simply give the quarterly pass. 
When admitted into the Council you will walk to the center of 
the hall and stop in the center within a few paces of the flag and 
salute the flag and wave right hand at the five Councilors, the 
Chief Councilor first. All five responding, you may be seated. 

To Speak. 

93. If you wish to speak or be excused you will simply rise 
at your seat, salute the Chief Councilor. (If busy, either of the 
other four). If recognized, speak or ask to be excused. If 
permitted, do either. 

Retiring. 

94. Wishing to retire for the session you may salute in 
same manner and secure consent. 

Voting Sign. 

95. The voting sign is by raising and drop of the hand, fist 
clinched. 

Recognition Sign. 

96. Recognition sign is by standing and raising right hand 
open, tipped over. Recognition same. 

Gavel. 

97. The gavel is the emblem of power. He who wields it 

18 



wields power. Should use it discreetly. When so done it must 
be obeyed. Three o o o (raps) call members to their feet; one 
(1) calls them down; two (2) (raps) call off. 

Grip. 

98. The grip is given thus: Extend right hand with grip 
above the wrist. 

99. Vice- Councilor — Escorts, you will now conduct these 
candidates to the Chief Councilor and inform him that they have 
been instructed in the secret work. 

100. Escorts — Chief Councilor, I take the permission to 
conduct these candidates to you. They have been instructed in 
the secret works. 

101. Chief Councilor wiV arise, advance to the front and 
receive the introduction of each. Each one will give the quarterly 
pass. 

102. Councilor says: Each of you having been led into mys- 
teries and secrets of the order I will say you have seen nothing 
as yet. But I now declare you are all members of this great 
body. Your assessments will be mutual and light. We bury 
nobody here, nor pay no sick dues, except volunteers do so. 
But we propose to fill a long felt need by our people which in- 
stantaneous money without the order could not buy and we ex- 
pect, by God's help, to assist you in ways not expressed herein, 
from a point of judicial procedure; in homicidal crimes brought 
on by foul means through the known or unknown; the loss of 
property, etc., wrongfully; the Association proposes rendering 
every honorable assistance to the courts of the land to help 
bring such wrongdoers to justice and secure for you damages, 
etc., and the righting of such wrongs. 

103. Councilor — We will now take a few minutes' recess 
for the congratulations. All walk round, congratulate and direct 
new members to take seats. We will now say we are closed until 
next meeting. 

Entering Fee. 

104. The charges required to become a member in first de- 
gree are as follows: Adults initiation fee, $2.00; children from 
5 to 14 years shall pay 50 cents joining fee. 



19 



Monthly Dues. 

Monthly dues for adults shall be 20 cents per month. 
Monthly dues for children 5 to 14 years are 10 cents per 
month. 

Disbursements. 

Out of the adults joining fee $1.40 goes to the National 
Supreme Councilor. 

Out of the adults joining fee 50 cents goes to the National 
Organizer. 

Out of the adults joining fee 10 cents goes to the local Coun- 
cil. 

Monthly Dues. 

Adults are required to pay 20 cents per month. Of this 
amount 10 cents is due National Supreme Councilor. 

Children are required to pay 10 cents per month. Of this 
amount 5 cents is due National Supreme Councilor. 

Order of Business. 

105. Organized bodies have an established order for the 
transaction of their business. This order is usually specified in 
the by-laws. The fixed order saves time and avoids disputes ^s 
to precedence. The usual order of business is as follows: 

1. Calling the meeting to order. 

2. Calling the roll. 

3. Reading and considering the minutes of the previous 
meeting. 

4. Reception of reports from standing committees. 

5. Receptions of reports from select or special committees. 

6. Reception of communications. 

7. Unfinished business. 

8. New business. 

9. Adjournment. 

Officers. 

106. A National Supreme Councilor. 

Four Associate National Supreme Councilors. 

One Associate National Supreme Treasurer. 

One Associate National Supreme Recording Secretary. 

One Associate National Supreme Financial Secretary. 

20 



One Associate National Supreme Inner Door Guard. 
One Associate National Supreme Outer Door Guard. 
Two Associate National Supreme Escorts. 
One Chaplain. 

107. And such other officers as the Supreme Councilor may- 
see fit to appoint. All of such officers may hold office during the 
pleasure of the Supreme Councilor. 

108. The same classes of officers may be appointed in state 
or territorial grand councils. The same sets of officers will be 
appointed in all subordinate or local Councils. 

109. The same sets of officers may be appointed in the 
women's department, national, state or territorial, subordinate 
or locally speaking. The same over juvenile departments, with 
titles similar to department. 

Organizers. 

110. There shall be as many district organizers as the Na- 
tional Supreme Councilor may direct. They in turn may se- 
lect others to be appointed by the Supreme Councilor as as- 
sistants to them. 

Committees. 

111. There shall be a committee appointed on National Su- 
preme By-Laws; also for international and locals. 

112. Committee on Legislation — Their duties will be pre- 
scribed in by-laws. 

113. Committee on Judicial Proceedings. 

114. Committee on Solicitation and Finances for the good 
of the order and pushing its objects. 

115. Committee on Uniform Rank with power to create 
same with all necessary ranks, garb or dress, etc. 

116. Committee on Steering. 

Parliamentary Rules and Questions. 

117. The common rule in voting, when two or more ques- 
tions are before the meeting, is that the last motion made is the 
first motion put. Thus, in moving, the order is: 

1. The original or main question. 

2. The amendment to the main question. 
The order of voting will be: 

1. Upon agreeing to the amendment. 

21 



2. Upon the adoption of the main question as amended or 
not amended. 

118. A deciding vote on the main question can not be taken 
until there is a vote for or against the amendment. 

Amendments must not be of a different subject from that 
contained in the main question or original motion. In other 
words, they must be germane. 

119. Amendments are of three forms: 

1. To strike out. 

2. To insert or add. 

3. To strike out and insert. 

A motion to amend by the transposition of words is of the 
same nature as striking out and inserting, for it means to strike 
out the words from one place and insert them in another. 

120. It is not proper to entertain two amendments to the 
main question at the same time, but after the first amendment 
has been decided it will be in order to move another amendment, 
and so on indefinitely. 

121. It is in order, however, to move an amendment to an 
amendment. In that case, the same principles will apply to the 
amendment to the amendment as would apply to the amend- 
ment, for the amendment to the amendment bears the same re- 
lation to the amendment as an amendment does to the main 
question. The motion to amend the amendment must be decided 
before action can be taken on the amendment. When it is dis- 
posed of, another motion to amend the amendment may be made, 
just as in the case of ordinary amendments. 

122. The order of voting, when there is an amendment to 
an amendment will be: 

1. On the motion to amend amendment. 

2. On the motion to amend as amended or not amended. 

3. On the main question or original motion as amended or 
not amended. 

123. The chair will say: "The question is upon the motion 
to amend the amendment. All in favor will say aye," etc. If it 
is agreed to them the chair will say: "The question is upon the 
motion to amend as amended; all in favor," etc. Then will say: 
"The question recurs upon the original motion as amended (or 
not amended," etc. 



22 



Forms. 

See Form No. 1, Certificate of Membership. 

See Form No. 2, Application Blank. 

See Form No. 3, Confirmation Blank. 

See Form No. 4, Traveling- Cards. 

See Form No. 5, Admission of Candidates to Association. 



Form No. 1 — Membership. 

124. In consideration of the payment of initiation fee and 
proof of citizenship and having otherwise qualified as a member 
of National Colored Protective Association, U. S. A., this is to 

certify that Brother (or Sister) is hereby accepted as 

such and is duly entitled to affiliate in any Council of the order 
in the United States, wherever such may be and is therefore al- 
lowed admittance into any local, state, territory or foreign Coun- 
cil wherever may be and applying for such, and entitled to 

all such benefits allowed to any member, so long as may 

-be financial in Local Council, as is indicated by 

traveling card. 

Given under my hand and the seal of the Association at 

State this the day of 

A. D. 19 

(Signed) NATIONAL COLORED PROTECTIVE 

ASSOCIATION OF U. S. A. 

By 

N. C, P. Asso. Councilor. 



N. C. P. Asso. U. S. A. C. Secretary. 



23 



Form No. 2 — Application Blank. 

125. To the N. C. P. Assc, U. S. A., National Councilor: 
Dear Sir — I have heard of the plans and the advantages in- 
tended to be given to persons joining your beloved order, and be- 
ing and convinced of its merits I therefore make application to 
you to become a member of same, and I do promise if accepted I 
will endeavor to prove my worthiness and will obey all laws, rules 
and regulations of said association, agreeing to pay such assess- 
ments, dues and taxes imposed on me regularly to the best of my 

ability. I inclose herein $ initiation fee. My age is 

My occupation is My residence 

No Street or R. F. D. No 

City of County of 

State of 

(Signed) 



Applicant. 
ATTEST: 



Voucher. 
Form No. 3 — Confirmation Certificate. 

126. This is to certify that Brother (or Sister) 

has been duly recommended to me for confirma- 
tion as Councilor of Council No 

(Local or National) to preside at County 

of State of He (or She) is 

hereby confirmed to fill said position for a term of '.... 

or until his (or her) successor has been qualified. All members 

are asked to obey and co-operate with in 

the discharge of "the duty assumed by 

Given under my hand and the seal of the Association this 

day of A. D. 19 at , 

County of State of 

(Signed) NATIONAL COLORED PROTECTIVE 

ASSOCIATION U. S. A. 

(Seal) By 

N. C. P. Asso. of U. S. A. Chief Councilor. 



N. C. P. Asso of U. S. A. C. Secretary. 
24 



Form No. 4 — Financial Traveling Card. 

127. This is to certify that. the 

bearer, is a member of Council No. located at , 

State and has paid dues as follows: January, Feb- 
ruary, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, Oc- 
tober, November, December, 19 and is hereby entitled to the 

fellow^ship of all members and Councils, organized, w^orking and 
initiated in name and under the N. C. P. Asso. of U. S. A. or 
abroad, until he becomes non-financial. Any courtesy shown him 
or will be duly acknowledged by this Council. 

Signed this day of , A. D. 19 

at 



Chief Councilor of C. No.. 
ATTEST: 

C. S. N. C. P. Asso., U. S. A. 



Form No. 5 — Card Admitting Candidate for Initiation. 

128. This £ard will admit Mr 

into Local Council No.. , which will meet at 

Hall Street day of , 

19 , for initiation, he (or she) having paid me the sum of 

$ Balance of $ bearer agrees to pay at 

that time before receiving the initiation rights. Should I fail to 
meet when notified or as stated herein it is fully understood it 
will be at bearer's own risk unless providentially hindered. 

(Signed) 

Councilor Organizer N. C. P. Asso. 

The seal of the Association shall be a circular disk with the 
letters: N. C. P. A. of U. S. A. and F. 



25 



Insurance Provision. 

This Association may become trustee for its members, se- 
curing insurance from other insurance companies for any mem- 
ber or members, collecting from said individual member, or col- 
lectively, an additional fee pro rata, to be applied pro ratably, 
weekly, monthly or yearly, to said insurance company carrying 
such risk, as such trustee; collect from such insurance company 
all amounts due the member, receipting for same, the same as he, 
she or they as a lodge (council) could do, remitting to proper 
person, persons or lodge (council) it is due the amount agreed 
on. All persons refusing to keep this obligation may be fined, 
suspended or expelled as the case may be. 



26 



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